School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-Red Knit Cap Girl and her woodland friends return in an adventure focused on about books. When Squirrel shows Red Knit Cap Girl a tree with a huge nook, she has an idea. `"I will keep my book in this nook so everyone can read it.'" Squirrel, White Bunny, Bear, and Hedgehog love the idea so much that they soon add their own books, too. As the idea spreads, more and more animals add to the nook. Beaver wants to participate, but he doesn't have any books, so he gnaws a bookshelf for the contributions. When autumn arrives, so do the sheep with warm wool blankets for the readers. The final touch is when Moon and Owl work through the night to make the perfect sign: "Library." "`A library is a place where anyone can borrow a book,'" the child explains. This last bit is aimed at Sly Fox, who thought he was stealing books. Stoop's straightforward text is a good match for her illustrations. Soft, sweet, and a bit retro, they are done on plywood whose grain shows subtly under the art. Beautiful background washes set the scene for the main characters, who are expressive despite having no mouths and dots for eyes. The pictures, on single page and full spreads, clearly support the text. A story about reading, friendship and working together-what's not to love?-Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
The little girl in the red cap makes her third appearance, and this time, she has books on her mind. It's too hot to play (though the girl is wearing her hat, sweater, and scarf), so she reads a book, as does her friend Rabbit. Then Squirrel shows them a secret place a big oak tree with an ample open space at the bottom. Red Knit Cap Girl deems it a nook, a place for books. Soon all the animals are placing books there, except Beaver, who helps by building a shelf. Sly Fox thinks the other creatures are silly after all, anyone can steal the books and he promptly takes one. But as the movement to share books grows, what emerges in the tree is a library, and as the girl tells Sly Fox with a wink, A library is a place where anyone can borrow a book. This combines a bundle of sweet elements soft, inviting artwork; a simple yet attention-holding tale; and a strong message. The adorable Red Knit Cap Girl, with her readily identifiable outfit and her pinpoint eyes, is a charmer.--Cooper, Ilene Copyright 2014 Booklist
